This is a group of six Jizo statues standing on the beach of Iki island.When the tide is up, they stand in water up to their waist, and on the chest, thay have a small hole (hara ga hogete iru). They are difficult to see because the red little aprons cover them completely.

by shoe-yoko

Maybe the holes were made on purpose to keep the offerings from being washed into the sea.Or to facilitate to make offerings from the boats during high tide.Or as a talisman to protect the people from smallpox.Or the Jizo were put up to pray for the safety of whalers in olden times and for the safety of the women divers (ama), who catch the local uni 海栗 sea urchins.

Now there is a safe pathway leading to the statues.

長崎県壱岐市芦辺町On Iki island, there are many other natural famous stone formations.

Close by is a restaurant of this name

Harahoge Shokudoo はらほげ食堂with special dishes of the local uni, collected by the ama women divers.